Statutes and Legislation

Notable legislative changes effective July 1, 2012, are highlighted below. For the full text of these Code sections, please click on the link to go to the Code of Virginia. Please note that this list is not inclusive of all Code sections related to sexual and domestic violence.

Criminal Statutes - Domestic and Sexual Violence

§ 18.2-51.6. Strangulation of another; penalty. Effective July 1, 2012. Any person who, without consent, impedes the blood circulation or respiration of another person by knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully applying pressure to the neck of such person resulting in the wounding or bodily injury of such person, is guilty of strangulation, a Class 6 felony.

§ 18.2-57.2. Assault and battery against a family or household member; penalty.

§ 18.2-57.3. Persons charged with first offense of assault and battery against a family or household member may be placed on local community-based probation; conditions; education and treatment programs; costs and fees; violations; discharge.

Effective July 1, 2012, in cases where the victim is a child under the age of 13, and it is alleged in the indictment that the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.

Effective July 1, 2012, in cases where the victim is a child under the age of 13, and it is alleged in the indictment that the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.

Effective July 1, 2012, in cases where the victim is a child under the age of 13, and it is alleged in the indictment that the offender was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense, the punishment shall include a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.